Letters to the Editor 9/28/2012

Editor: I can attest that James Cummings does indeed exist. I have known him and his family for most of my adult life. If he finds it difficult to obtain a valid form of ID in order to vote, then there are undoubtedly numerous others without the fantastic support system he has that will find it impossible to obtain said ID.

Bud Poehlman's assertion in his recent letter that without this law there would exist the possibility that Mr. Cummings' vote would be negated by a fraudulently placed vote is without merit.

This is not my opinion but that of Patrick S. Cawley, senior deputy attorney general and lead attorney for the state in the case. Mr. Cawley stated that the state has no evidence that voter fraud has occurred. Further, the state does not believe that this law will make such fraud any less likely to occur.

Perhaps Mr. Poehlman would change his mind about the logic of a thinly veiled attempt at voter suppression if he were in Mr. Cummings' position. I would feel very comfortable that my vote and Mr. Poehlamn's will count and will probably cancel each other in the November election. I am also confident that my vote will not be canceled by an illegally cast ballot.

WILLIAM BROWN

CLARKS SUMMIT

Real and honest

Editor: When this Philadelphian, many moons ago, decided to attend the University of Scranton he was hit with a case of homesickness, as many freshmen are. Two "real and honest" South Side families, the Mullens and the Cummingses, welcomed me to Scranton and treated me as one of their own.

Mr. Cummings is a veteran of World War II who fought at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. He owes no one an explanation; not on his authenticity or his existence. The next time Bud Poehlman hears the national anthem he should think of men such as Mr. Cummings who helped protect his right to vote.

I was on the fence with regard to the new voter ID law. That is, until they decided to pick on Mr. Cummings. I question the integrity of a government that could even think of denying the right to vote to a great American such as Mr. Cummings.

Mr. Cummings is a "young 90." He still works with his son Mike, so he may not have the leisure to hang at the DMV, waiting to provide identification to prove he should be able to continue to exercise his right to vote, something he has done for the last 69 years.

THOMAS F. BRZOZOWSKI

SOMERDALE, N.J.

ID for Santa?

Editor: I can attest that James Cummings is, in fact, a real human being. Knowing Mr. Cummings my entire life, I know that he would be compelled to take action to assure that he could participate in our democracy if only because he sacrificed and witnessed the sacrifice of others who paid the ultimate price to protect this country. Beyond that commitment, James Cummings has been a stellar citizen his entire life.

As a child I played in the yard of the Cummings house on Moosic Street. Mr. Cummings kept a keen eye on all the kids who were welcomed to play with his children.

I have distinct recollection of this fine man assisting in Masses at Nativity of Our Lord Church.

I recall sharing so many "growing-up events" with his family, and we shared the wonder of the times.

As life progressed and I became a father, I took my children to the Globe Store, where James Cummings would dress as Santa and enthrall all the children. But if he knew the families of those who sat on "Santa's lap," he shared stories or a personal note that only "Santa" would know.

As my oldest child, Maura, approached the age of disbelief, she reluctantly went with my younger children to visit Santa. Santa told her that he might leave her presents at her grandparents' home, with "Dorothy and Pat" at "Front Street." As Maura left Santa, her eyes were as large as dinner plates. How could a fake Santa ever know such things? The only other thing I recall is the bright and beautiful smile of James Cummings.

The sad part of my letter is that people like James Cummings are potentially being denied their right to vote. It is not acceptable that these wonderful citizens be shunned by our government. No. It is not acceptable.

MICHAEL COWLEY

Clarks Summit

No offense, but ...

Editor: In my Sept. 20 letter, I meant no disrespect to James Cummings.

But two people took the position that I had personally attacked him and his integrity. How they came up with that leaves me wondering.

My opening statement might have been poorly worded, so allow me to attempt to clarify it.

Mr. Cummings' Sept. 18 letter got me wondering why such a thoughtful and aware person would neglect to better plan his excursion to the DMV. That led me to think that maybe the newspaper had put in a "ringer" to incite responses; hence my opening phrase, "Did you folks (the newspaper) do this as a 'tongue in cheek' or is it real and 'honest'â"- (not a put on). The second and third paragraphs also clarify why I questioned the authenticity of Mr. Cummings' letter.

His two friends apparently chose to read only the opening line, failed to identify "you folks" as the newspaper and went off, incorrectly, insinuating I intentionally sullied his reputation. Both apparently thought I should be aware of his military record and standing in the local community.

Why they would think I should know Mr. Cummings or his record is beyond me.

But that I "chastised" Mr. Cummings and his family and that I have no respect for my elders is a real reach. I did not reprimand any of the family; instead I offered sources I thought could be helpful to his quest. And I am 76 and have worked for over 40 years directly in support of military missions.

Respondent No. 2 did not read the letter, or, based on his response, purposefully chose to misunderstand the text and use that to justify his attack on me. Had he disagreed with my position on voter ID and explained his own, fine. But he chose to attack the messenger. Is his voter ID position so indefensible that he must attempt to besmirch any who disagree?

I refrained from using names because criticÂ No. 1 might be embarrassed and No. 2 should be embarrassed, but probably is not capable of that.Â

BUD POEHLMAN

South Abington Twp.

Carry out sentence

Editor: The front page of the Sept. 23 Sunday Times asked "why" to the commission of 13 murders some 30 years ago by George Banks.

Better yet: Why is thisÂ man yet alive?

A jury empowered to consider the evidence, monitored by the court, reached a verdict. The guy was found competent and guilty.

The jurors were duped, the people wereÂ shammed. The victims cry out and theÂ taxpayers foot the bill.

Forget the religious argument. Humane consideration is as long gone as justice.

Decades on death row? No wonder the guy is wacky. "Why?" indeed.

THOMAS M. CARLIN

olyphant

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